Frank Gore's first impression of read-option? 'Not real football'

Jan. 17, 2013
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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball to running back Frank Gore #21 against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Candlestick Park on January 12, 2013 in San Francisco, California. / Harry How, Getty Images

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

by Lindsay H. Jones, USA TODAY Sports

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The first time Frank Gore got a look at a pistol offense, he was watching television.

"Probably Oregon," Gore said. "I didn't like it at first."

After all, the pistol and the read-option ran counter to everything Gore knew. He played in a pro-style offense at the University of Miami and was used to being a traditional tailback - and very good one - for the San Francisco 49ers.

"I just felt like that's not real football," Gore said. "But if it helps us get to where we want to go, I'm good."

Consider Gore the latest convert to the wonders of the read-option. As the 49ers implemented more option and pistol elements since switching starting quarterbacks from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick in November, Gore found a way to adjust.

He said he has learned to be more patient, and also has come to understand that even on designed running plays, he won't always get the ball. Sometimes, he'll be a decoy as Kaepernick carries the ball.

Still, Gore's rushes per game actually increased since Kaepernick took over as starter in Week 11 (from 15.5 per game to 17.6), and he finished the regular season with 1,214 yards, the second-highest total in his eight-year career. But he's had to accept that some weeks, Kaepernick will end up with more rushing yards.

That was the case last week in San Francisco's 45-31 win against Green Bay, when Kaepernick set a quarterback rushing record with 181 yards. Gore had 119 rushing yards, his second-highest total of the season.

"Hopefully they keep looking out for (Kaepernick), and 21 keeps getting the ball," Gore said.

Gore left the practice field after a walk-thru Thursday, pulled off his No. 21 practice jersey and replaced it with a blue mechanics shirt with "Frank" embroidered on the chest. Gore hasn't worn the shirt in public for a while, but grabbed it from his locker as a sign that he wanted to "have a good work day," he said.

Though Kaepernick has attracted much of the attention over the past two months, 49ers coaches said Gore has had an important role in the evolution of the 49ers' offense, so much so that offensive coordinator Greg Roman has joked to Gore that he wants Gore to coach with him when his playing career is over.

Roman said Gore has become a mentor to young running backs Kendall Hunter (now on injured reserve) and LaMichael James, especially when it comes to traditional elements of being a tailback with figuring out pass-protection schemes.

James, a rookie, played at Oregon, in the scheme Gore disliked. Now they thrive in it together.

"He will adapt quickly," Roman said of Gore. "I thought he had some just incredible runs in our last game on those types of plays. It's no surprise to us here."